FE413
Web Performance
Faculty
Christopher Baker
Full Stack Developer
Course length
Duration
Total hours
Credits
Language
Course type
Fee for single course
Fee for degree students
Skills you’ll learn
Overview
Modern web apps are fast to build but slow to ship well. This course gives intermediate web developers the tools to measure, diagnose, fix, and,crucially, avoid web performance problems across network, rendering, JavaScript, and animation layers. With a mobile-first lens and hands-on practice in every session, students leave as evidence-driven engineers, not gut-feel optimisers.
Learning highlights
- Hands-on practice integrated into every single session — no passive lecture days.
- Twice-weekly homework reviewed in class, so confusion doesn't accumulate.
- A full real-site audit in Session 14 — applying every tool and concept from the course.
- Mobile-first framing throughout — device throttling, field data, and real-world constraints from day one.
- Closes with "performance by design" — shifting from reactive debugging to proactive engineering habits.
Course outline
15 classes
Session 1
Course introduction and tooling setup
Session 2
How browsers work: the rendering pipeline
Session 3
Measuring what matters: metrics and tools
Session 4
Network performance: the request lifecycle
Session 5
Resource loading: images, fonts, and prioritisation
Session 6
JavaScript bundles: analyse, split, and shake
Session 7
JavaScript runtime: profile, optimise, offload
Session 8
CSS and rendering: the pixel pipeline
Session 9
Animation and perceived performance
Session 10
Performance by design: avoiding problems before they start
Session 11
Rendering strategies: SSR, SSG, streaming, and hydration
Session 12
Performance budgets and regression prevention
Session 13
Real-user monitoring: what users actually experience
Session 14
Auditing a real site: methodology and prioritisation
Session 15
Review and consolidation
Prerequisites
Proficiency in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript — able to build a working web app.
Some awareness of performance concepts (e.g., has run Lighthouse or noticed a slow site).
Familiarity with browser DevTools at a basic level.
No prior deep performance knowledge required.
Methodology
This course places a strong emphasis on case studies and hands-on labs, ensuring that students graduate with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
Grading
Christopher J. Baker began coding in his youth, growing up in a farming community, and his passion for technology has only deepened over 24 years of programming and 12 years of professional experience. Most recently serving as Director of Frontend Technology, Christopher specializes in software architecture, API design, and data processing and analysis. His career spans diverse industries, including fintech, gambling, fast food, and e-commerce, across a wide variety of projects, from open source to startups to fortune 10 companies.
A dedicated mentor and trainer, Christopher has taught and inspired others throughout his career. Recently, he has expanded his efforts through international talks, workshops, and training sessions. Beyond technology, Christopher applies his analytical mindset to his hobbies, such as culinary experimentation and tabletop role-playing games, showcasing his creativity and love of exploration.
See full profileApply for this course
Web Performance
by Christopher Baker
Total hours
45 Hours
Dates
Jun 29 - Jul 17, 2026
Fee for single course
€1500
Fee for degree students
€750
How to secure your spot
Complete the form below to kickstart your application
Schedule your Harbour.Space interview
If successful, get ready to join us on campus
FAQ
Will I receive a certificate after completion?
Yes. Upon completion of the course, you will receive a certificate signed by the director of the program your course belonged to.
Do I need a visa?
This depends on your case. Please check with the Spanish or Thai consulate in your country of residence about visa requirements. We will do our part to provide you with the necessary documents, such as the Certificate of Enrollment.
Can I get a discount?
Yes. The easiest way to enroll in a course at a discounted price is to register for multiple courses. Registering for multiple courses will reduce the cost per individual course. Please ask the Admissions Office for more information about the other kinds of discounts we offer and what you can do to receive one.